Scope of Work section 4.0

3.0 Technical Assessment/Analysis of Water Quantity, Quality, Instream Flows, and Habitat (Phase 2)

3.1Problem Definition/Analysis

3.1.1 Purpose

The purpose of the technical assessment phase is to gather, analyze, and evaluate data to clearly understand the nature, conditions, and extent of problems and/or desired outcomes for each project component.

3.1.2 General Approach

The assessment results will be the foundation for knowledge-based decision-making that will be used to develop the most effective solutions that meet the project goals and address the bulleted items in Section 1.1. Data will be collected that are necessary to enable an assessment of current conditions and an understanding of the causal factors underlying these conditions. The collected data and analysis will enable direct action to manage those factors to achieve desired outcomes.

3.1.2.1 Data Validity and Reliability

Following the definition of "best available science" (3), in order to ensure that the results of the data collection, analysis and modeling processes are of maximum utility to this planning process, for each set of data collected, each analysis performed, and any modeling undertaken, parameters shall be specified for measurement of validity and reliability. Validity measures include acceptable level of probable error and expected percentage contribution to total result.

In order to ensure that the results of data collection, analysis and modeling are reliable (i.e., repeatable over time), the types of data collected and the methodologies used for analysis and modeling shall be functionally consistent and well documented.

3.1.3 Tools and Methods

The best available science, including state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, will be employed in the WRIA 1 Watershed Management Project (3). Mathematical models and computer simulations will likely play a key role in the assessment and evaluation of information.

3.1.4Data Collection

3.1.4.1Existing Data

Information gathering for each of the program components will be an iterative process starting with the collection and assessment of what is already known through existing studies, programs, and input from individuals and groups.

3.1.4.2Field Research

As data gaps and new information needs are identified they will be collected, assessed, and evaluated. Data gathering will extend over a number of years and will continue beyond the adoption of theWatershed Management Plan.

3.1.4.3Routine Monitoring

Long-term routine monitoring and analysis will be needed to evaluate project success and ensure that goals are met (4).

3.1.4.4Catalog of Project Actions

All watershed projects, including those underway prior to the adoption of the SRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan, shall be cataloged and incorporated All watershed projects, including those underway prior to the adoption of the WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan, will be cataloged and incorporated into the WRIA 1 watershed management database.

4.1.4.5Water Quantity

At a minimum the following information and analyses will be collected and evaluated for water quantity:

Estimate the amount of surface and groundwater present (1);
Estimate the amount of surface and groundwater actually being used in the WRIA (1);
Conduct a depletion analysis to accurately estimate the spatial and temporal uses of water in the WRIA throughout the year (2,3);
Estimate the amount of water represented by claims in the water rights claims registry, water use permits, certificated rights, existing minimum instream flow rules, federally reserved rights, and any other rights to water (1); Use the best available science to make reliable estimates of the Lummi Nation water rights for both instream and out-of-stream uses (2,3);
Identify the most senior instream and out-of-stream water rights in the WRIA and the next most senior rights in turn based on the priority date of existing water right holders (3);
Estimate future water needs (1);
Estimate the amount of surface and ground water available taking into consideration seasonal and other variations (1,2,3);
Estimate the amount of surface and ground water available [to junior users and (3)] for further appropriation taking into account [seasonal and other variations (1,2,3)] and the minimum instream flows adopted by rule or to be adopted by rule under the RCW for streams in the management area including the data necessary to evaluate necessary flows for fish (1,2,3);
Estimate the total amount of water available in an undepleted condition (3);
Identify location of areas where aquifers are known to recharge surface bodies of water and areas known to provide for the recharge of aquifers from the surface (1);
Contract with USGS to collect streamflow data throughout the watershed for the multi-year [10 year (3)] effort (2);
Measure and/or estimate climate data (precipitation, evapotranspiration) at representative locations in the WRIA (2,3);
Evaluate existing land use/land cover data for its suitability in making water resource related decisions (2,3).

Implementation Strategy/Status

The following actions have been taken to date to implement part of the initial data needs assessment for the water quantity component:

The United States Geological Survey was hired to conduct a "Phase I Data Assessment" in the summer of 1999. Their draft report was delivered on January 31, 2000. Among other information, the report provides information on evapotranspiration, precipitation, hydrogeologic information, streamflow discharge measurements, soil survey reports/data, current and historical land use and cover, facilities with NPDES permits, irrigation water use, current and historical water use,, and a sub-basin delineation.
An evaluation of existing state water rights, claims, applications, certificates, and permits has been initiated under the supervision of the Public Utility District. Two full-time staff have been hired to assist. As noted in Section 3.3, sub-basin delineations are being critically evaluated and defined as part of that process.
Streamflow measurements are being collected under an interagency agreement between the BIA, USGS, the Lummi Nation, and the Nooksack Tribe. Staff support from the Initiating Governments is also being provided for the actual data collection.
Aerial and bathymetric studies of Lake Whatcom are being completed through an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation.

Using the above information, a Water Quantity Technical Team should be formed and charged with developing a detailed work plan to meet the component goal and address the informational needs specified previously. The strategy should include an initial compilation and assessment of existing data (much of which has been done). The Team should start with the approach detailed in the previous draft scope of work and the comments/concerns submitted by the Non-municipal Water System Caucus (including definitions/interpretations of key terms, and specific recommendations, interpretations, questions, etc.).

3.1.4.6 Water Quality

Water quality will be assessed in two sections, surface and ground water (5), where appropriate. Information collected and analyzed must include:

Legally established/designated characteristic uses of each of the nonmarine water bodies in the management area (1);
An examination based on existing studies of the degree to which legally established water quality standards are being met (1);
An examination based on existing studies of the causes of water quality exceedences, including an examination of information regarding pollutants, point and nonpoint sources of pollution, and pollution-carrying capacities of water bodies in the management area. The analysis should take into account seasonal stream flow or level variations, natural events, and pollution from natural sources that occurs independent of human activities (1);
An examination of any total maximum daily load established for nonmarine bodies of water in the management area, unless a total maximum daily load process has begun in the management area as of the date the watershed planning process is initiated under RCW.82.060 (1);
Conduct the necessary data collection and analysis to estimate TMDLs for fecal coliform (in progress), temperature, [BOD (3)], sediment, and other water quality attributes of concern in order to ensure water quality standards are being achieved (2); and
An examination of existing data related to the impact of fresh water on marine water quality (1).

Implementation Strategy/Status

Using the above information a Water Quality Technical Team should be formed and charged with developing a detailed work plan to meet the component goal and address the informational needs specified previously. The strategy should include an initial compilation and assessment of existing data. The Team should start with the approach detailed in the previous draft scope of work and the comments/concerns submitted by the Non-municipal Water System Caucus (including definitions/interpretations of key terms, and specific recommendations, interpretations, questions, etc.).

3.1.4.7 Instream Flows

Instream flows were established for WRIA 1 by the Department of Ecology in 1986. Over the years many questions have been raised as to whether the methods used to establish those flows adequately do so - particularly in light of advances in science over subsequent years. The Watershed Management Act provides an opportunity for modifications to established instream flows if agreed to by the parties specified in the act.

The Initiating Governments agreed that instream flow needs will be examined as part of the WRIA 1 Watershed Management Project. The MOA further states that an analysis will be conducted to estimate optimal instream flows for fisheries resources in the WRIA throughout the year (3). Consistent with the agreement to base decisions on best available science, the purpose of the analysis is to evaluate the method used to establish current instream flows relative to advances in methodology.

Implementation Strategy/Status

The analysis is currently evaluating the various approaches to estimating streamflow levels needed to optimize fish habitat quality and quantity. The recommended 'state-of-the-art" method(s) will be used during 2000-2001 in order to provide the information needed to develop a watershed management plan by June 30, 2002. In order to modify existing flows, a unanimous vote by parties specified in the Act will be required - if a unanimous vote is not achieved, flows will not be modified as part of this process (1).

A 3-day Instream Flow Methods conference was held in September 1999. The purpose of the conference was to evaluate the different methods available for estimating the relationship between streamflow and fish, and to help determine the best methods to use to reevaluate existing instream flows. A draft report was written by the conference chairperson (Dr. Thomas Hardy) and has been presented to the public and Planning Unit for review.

A Technical Team will be established to develop a recommendation for how to proceed with respect to instream flows.

3.1.4.8 Fish Habitat

Coordinate with salmon recovery efforts to 1) develop information that summarizes current and historic fish habitat and populations 2) evaluates physical, biological, and chemical processes in terms of good habitat, and 3) evaluates factors limiting current finfish and shellfish populations throughout WRIA 1.

Implementation Strategy/Status

Initial efforts occurred in 1999 to develop a strategy to ensure coordination and linkage between WRIA 1 Watershed Management Project and salmon recovery as well as other related programs. These efforts were placed on hold for several months for a number of reasons including pending revisions to the initial draft scope of work and the Whatcom Creek fire. Recently, a group has been meeting to discuss how to best coordinate salmon recovery with the Watershed Management Project. A coordination strategy is being developed. Quarterly updates on this coordination effort will be provided to the Planning Unit with additional updates as needed.

3.2 Assessment

For each plan component within each sub-basin, an assessment of conditions and extent of problems shall be undertaken once sufficient data have been collected to enable such assessment. The end product of the assessment phase is the identification of the specific locations where corrective actions are needed, and the type and extent of the problems that need such corrective action.

3.2.1. Establish Criteria for Evaluation of Success

For each component and within each sub-basin, specific measurable objectives shall be established. The purpose of the objectives is to define the measure of whether the plan goals have been achieved. If the achievement of any objectives does not result in the achievement of associated goals, new objectives will be defined through the adaptive management process.

3.2.2 Define Monitoring Protocols

Protocols shall be established during the assessment phase to provide specific guidance for collecting information that shall be used to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions.

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